Weather News

Rain welcomed across NSW

As rain spreads across much of the state today, the NSW Dept of Primary Industries has released their latest seasonal conditions report:

Ian McGowan, seasonal conditions coordinator for the DPI, says the last month has seen radical improvements in some areas.

However, in the western part of the state, around Walgett, Lightning Ridge, Bourke and Brewarrina, drier conditions persist.

The Executive Officer of the Regional Assistance Advisory Committee John Newcomb says the committee has looked at the conditions in this area and has received 'on ground' advice. As a result the Committee has taken the following steps:

Finalised advice to the Minister on Transport Subsidies for Animal Welfare purposes, which is currently being considered by the DPI;

Further developing advice to the Minister on a Trigger Mechanism and potential suite of measures that the Minister could consider. It should be noted that this needs to take into account that the Australian, state and territory primary industries ministers have agreed to the framework for a new national package of drought programs to replace the existing Exceptional Circumstances arrangements;

Provided advice to the Rural Assistance Authority Board and the Minister on potential enhancements to the Special Conservation Scheme to remove impediments to uptake and ensure that there are sufficient drought preparedness measures included;

Undertaking a review of a number of other measures, such as depreciation, to provide advice on how these may be made more effective for the purpose of drought preparedness.